Pictures didn't post

Try turning your table/chairs the other way. Also remove the little corner unit.

I know the light will not be centered but that can be changed.

Table looks like it's been sent to stand in the corner. Can it be turned the other way? Grounded with a large area rug?

I don't know what to suggest about a big empty space in the middle of the room!

I’d rotate the table to parallel the kitchen pass through and add a colorful rug. You may have to move the chandelier. It looks like you’d have more room between high chairs and table, etc. The shelving unit looks too casual for space. Artwork on walls will help warm space. You might look for a vintage sideboard to convert to a coffee bar/beverage service area.

When you turn the table you will be able to move the shelving unit away from the patio doors.

Post new pic pls.

Here is a new picture with the table moved. im not so sure what i would put on the walls now. I also don’t really care for the shelf. The room is definitely large.

Try moving the shelf to the back wall, removing the corner cabinet. Then the table back to the other way. Sorry for all the moving, but trying to get it to work. You will probably need a more substantial light fixgture.

If you have a garage or basement or mud room or even an attic that you use for storage -- or a children's bedroom, you can move your shelving there to use as storage if you truly dislike the shelving in this room. The two high chairs are noted, so, do make sure the shelving will not tip over wherever you place it.

Or, if you prefer your table turned the original way and still have a large space in between kitchen and dining, you might consider using the shelving as a room divider.

If you centered it, it would likely need to be attached to the floor and/or ceiling -- or to boards on each side that are attached to floor and ceiling -- to ensure it wouldn't fall over.

Or, another option could be to put one side of the shelving unit against the wall, perhaps left of the pass thru left of where the high chairs are sitting or left of the patio door -- but if the height of it makes that a bad fit, then ...

... does the shelving side supports come apart -- as in, could you remove the back "x" brace and end up with a three shelf shelving unit (and a pair of extra shelves)? If so, if you add a back to the three shelves -- think wainscoting -- you might find it is a better visual fit as a room divider for your open space.

If your shelving does come apart and you use only three shelves to create a room dividing bookcase, perhaps you could create a shorter bookcase or box shelf or pair of benches for the children with what is left.

If you keep the bookcase whole, this article on "styling" a bookcase appears to include your specific bookcase. https://www.coasterfurniture.com/small-bookshelf

I would buy baskets to fit in the bottom 2 shelves, maybe 3 or 4 on each shelf, then the children can put their toys etc. away each day.

I like the table turned. I would remove the corner cabinet- seems too big for that corner and out of place. If you can move the shelving unit, I don't know it's useful- plus open shelving with kids can look messy. Maybe a low closed storage unit/buffet under the cut-out wall (can use for dog or toy storage). Maybe dog bed under the corner windows. The big expansive wall could be a LARGE canvas or even a well curated gallery wall (all similar white or black frames - you could even change out kids' artwork in some, and then find other art/photos that you LOVE and are more permanent)

I've been searching for buffet tables but I have a hard time picking out a color. Would you go dark? There is a buffet table that goes with the dining table but I'm not too fond of matchy matchy things.